Gourmet – A Taste of the South

Only a few years ago, Phillippia “Fefe” Rome came to Jefferson City, following the inauguration of her brother, Dr. Kevin Rome, as president of Lincoln University, and brought with her 15 years of experience in Georgia-style soul food.

Family owned and operated, Fefe’s restaurant, The Blue Skillet, serves food meant to nourish the body and touch the soul. “Everything in my restaurant is cooked fresh,” Fefe says. “We make our own gravy, we cut up our own greens and sweet potatoes. Nothing ever comes from a box.”

Meals from The Blue Skillet are guilt free, as well. “There is a misconception that soul food is unhealthy and greasy,” Fefe says. “A long time ago, this was true because everyone cooked with lard. Now we fry with vegetable oil, and there are no additives in my food.

“My whole family has a passion for cooking,” she says. “My grandmother would cook for the whole neighborhood. She would be in all the contests for her cakes and greens and she would win, but she didn’t allow me to cook with her. She would make everything herself, and we would watch.”

With a full menu including fried chicken, catfish, okra, mac and cheese, and chicken and waffles, it isn’t difficult to find something to suit your comfort food tastes. “My grandmother never used a recipe,” says Fefe. “She always cooked to taste, and now that’s how I cook. Sometimes sugar is sweeter than other times, sometimes salt is saltier than other times. If you follow a recipe step by step, it isn’t always going to taste the same.”

Fefe served the City Magazine team fried chicken made in her great-grandmother’s 100-year-old skillet, fried catfish, candied yams, collard greens, and cornbread — all homemade on location.

The Blue Skillet is located at 226 E. Dunklin St. and is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 12 to 5 p.m. (when she serves chitterlings), and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 573-635-6312 or email theblueskillet@gmail.com to place an order or arrange catering.

Come to Capital Arts for some not so spooky Halloween fun! Dress in costume if you dare (children’s aprons will be provided). Each participant will create a Mickey Mouse Halloween painting on an 11×14 canvas.[...]